Joker Could Become the Biggest R-Rated Movie of All Time

Good day! Welcome to this Monday’s edition of The Monitor, WIRED’s roundup of all the best culture news. What did you miss over the weekend? Well, for one, you might have to wait a little longer than expected for Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop. Also, people are still going to see Joker—and talking about it. Not sure what we’re talking about? Read on.

Joker Is Becoming the Biggest R-Rated Movie of All Time

We all knew that Joker was a big deal, but this is getting out of hand. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is on its way to becoming the highest grossing R-rated film of all time globally, if the numbers aren’t adjusted for inflation. Deadpool, which made $783 million in 2016, currently holds the record. But as of this weekend, Joker has made just north of $737 million worldwide, and it’s still in theaters. Insert joke about laughing all the way to the bank here.

Meanwhile, Jared Leto Really Didn’t Want Joker to Happen

In other Joker-related news, Jared Leto, who played the character in 2016’s Suicide Squad, really didn’t want the villain’s new movie to happen. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that when Leto heard of the Joaquin Phoenix-starring movie, he grumbled to his agents, who also represent director Todd Phillips, and asked his music manager to call the head of Warner Bros.’s parent company to try to stop the movie. Someone from Leto’s team denied to THR that he made such a request.

Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop Delayed After John Cho Injury

Were you, like many of us, looking forward to Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop show? Get ready: You might have to wait a bit longer. Star John Cho sustained a knee injury on the New Zealand set and production on the series is being shut down for anywhere from seven to nine months. “Our thoughts are with John, and he has our complete support as he recuperates from this injury,” a Netflix spokesperson told Deadline in a statement.

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